Ah, there’s the governess voice. All stern and disapproving. It makes me feel like a naughty schoolboy.

I have always hated flying. The idea of it is an affront to nature. People are meant to stay on the ground.

Well, it may be humorous to you, but it’s a very serious matter to the squirrels.

I never take advice, good or bad. That would only encourage more of it.

I've never been convinced that everything in a relationship needs to be talked about. Some things can't be fixed by a conversation

I had learned that there were substitutes for a mother who couldn't be a mother. You could find love with other people. You could find it in places you weren't even looking. But the original wound would never heal. I would carry it with me forever, and so would Tara. That was the trick . . . accepting it, going on with your life, knowing it was part of you.

Does he behave in rude or improper ways?" "He's a Bowman. We don't know any better.